Compare a Lexington Avenue Espresso Run and Fresh Boba in Harlem

The Starbucks at 1491 Lexington Ave is a reliable Manhattan stop for a quick espresso run, seasonal iced drinks and warm banana bread to go. Staff keep the counter service fast and friendly, and interesting background music plays for a late breakfast or a post-work drink. Tables fill quickly, seating is limited and the store has no restroom. Mobile pickup is available, though bagel orders can arrive over-toasted. It opens daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM and holds a 4.0 rating from 763 reviews.

Koacha at 1316 5th Ave Store #2 is a Harlem tea house near Central Park and a local favorite for boba. The menu offers a wide selection, and the tapioca is made fresh every three to five hours. Fruit lemonades and milk teas keep a balanced flavor that is not overly sweet, while the jasmine green tea is brewed to be especially full of flavor. It opens daily from 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM and holds a 4.7 rating from 20 reviews.

These two Manhattan counters cover different cravings. The Lexington Ave Starbucks opens at 5:00 AM for an early espresso, iced drink or banana bread, with mobile pickup for a fast exit. Koacha opens at 11:00 AM and focuses on tea, from jasmine green tea to milk teas and fruit lemonades with tapioca made through the day. Seating is tight at the Starbucks. Choose Starbucks for a morning coffee on the go and Koacha for an afternoon boba in Harlem.